White House Assaults Freedom of Press

Floor Speech

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the expansion of Big Government is a threat to the American people. According to Politico, the administration:

had obtained records that listed incoming and outgoing calls and the duration of these calls for work and personal phone numbers of AP reporters and phone lines for AP offices in New York; Hartford, Connecticut; and Washington, as well as the main number for AP reporters in the House of Representatives press gallery. The government seized records--which listed incoming and outgoing calls and the call's length--for more than 20 separate lines assigned to the AP and its reporters.

The American people are losing their trust in the White House. The recent admissions reveal that the President and his administration will do whatever it takes to extend power, including violating First Amendment rights. Even the media is at risk of Big Government intrusion. Over the coming weeks, it's my hope that this is thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be held accountable.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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